Improvement in the methods of labeling mineral specimens



C. .W. CANNON.

METHOD OF LABELING MINERAL SPECIMENS. N 178 9Q 6 Patented June 20,1876.

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PETERS, PHOTOLITHUGRAPHER, WASHINGTON. 0. C4

' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE] CHARLES W. CANNON, OF'HELENA, MONTANATERRITOR Y.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 178,906, dated June20, 1876; application filed April 10, 1876.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, CHARLES W. CANNON, of Helena, Lewis and Clarkecounty, Montana Territory, have invented a new and Improved Mode ofMarking Mineral Ores, &c., of which the following is a specification:

Figure 1 represents a specimen of ore illustrating my improved mode ofmarking; and Fig. 2 is a section of the same, taken through the line mm, Fig. 1.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

The object of this invention is to furnish an improved mode of markingminerals, ores, fossils, petrifactions, and other specimens for cabinetsand other purposes, the use of which will enable the specimen to beconveniently and legibly marked. 1

The invention consists in the mode of marking minerals and otherspecimens by forming a surface to receive the inscription withplaster-of-paris, or some of its compounds, as hereinafter fullydescribed.

In carrying my improved mode of marking into practical useI takeplaster-ot paris, or some of its compounds, mix it with water to theconsistency of thick cream, and apply it to the specimens in sufficientquantity to form a space large enough to receive the desiredinscription. The specimens are then jarred to cause the cement to setwith a smooth surface. After the cement has set and become sufficientlydry, a small-pointed brush is used for putting on the inscription withindia-ink or paints. Or the entire surface of the cement may be coveredwith india-ink or paints, and the inscription put on by scraping olf theink with a knife or other pointed instrument to form the letters. v

In the one case the letters will be black or colored upon a whitebackground, and in the other case the letters will be white upon a blackor colored background.

I am aware that it is not broadly new to form a smooth surface onmineralogic speci-, mens'for the purpose of marking the same;

therefore I limit my invention to the use of plaster-of-paris, or acement consisting largely of said material, the plaster-of-paris forminga smooth white or light-colored surface, which is best adapted to bemarked upon.

Having thus described my invention, I claim I as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent- The method of labeling mineralogic' and otherspecimens by means of an artificial smooth surface formed upon a portionof the specimen, and composed of plaster-of-paris cement, or some of itscompounds, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

CHARLES WESLEY CANNON. Witnesses:

HORACE O. LEwIs, HENRY CANNON.

